The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a rugged adventure motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road enthusiasts. Inspired by Yamaha’s Dakar Rally heritage, this bike combines robust engineering, lightweight chassis, and a torque-rich engine to deliver an exhilarating riding experience. With its rally-bred design, long-travel suspension, and aggressive styling, the Tenere 700 is built to conquer challenging terrains while maintaining comfort on highways.
Targeted at adventure seekers, the Tenere 700 stands out with its balanced performance, reliable CP2 engine, and minimalistic electronics, making it a favorite among purists who prefer mechanical engagement over excessive tech.
Technical Specifications
Below are the detailed technical specifications of the Yamaha Tenere 700 in a tabular format:
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, parallel-twin |
| Displacement | 689 cc |
| Max Power | 72.4 PS @ 9,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 68 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with slip-and-assist clutch |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection |
| Frame | Steel double cradle |
| Suspension (Front) | 43mm upside-down forks, 210mm travel |
| Suspension (Rear) | Monoshock, 200mm travel (adjustable preload) |
| Brakes (Front) | Dual 282mm discs, 4-piston calipers (ABS) |
| Brakes (Rear) | 245mm single disc, 1-piston caliper (ABS) |
| Tyre Size (Front) | 90/90-21 (tubeless) |
| Tyre Size (Rear) | 150/70-18 (tubeless) |
| Wheelbase | 1,595 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 240 mm |
| Seat Height | 875 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 205 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16 liters |
| Instrument Cluster | LCD display with basic info (no TFT) |
| ABS | Dual-channel (switchable for rear wheel) |
Variants
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is available in a single variant in India, but it comes with optional accessories such as:
- Rally Edition (with additional off-road-focused upgrades)
- Touring Accessories (panniers, crash guards, taller windscreen)
Price in Metro Cities
Here’s the ex-showroom price of the Yamaha Tenere 700 in major Indian cities:
| City | Ex-Showroom Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹11,49,900 |
| Mumbai | ₹11,59,500 |
| Bangalore | ₹11,62,000 |
| Chennai | ₹11,55,700 |
| Kolkata | ₹11,52,300 |
(Prices may vary based on local taxes and dealer charges.)
About the Yamaha Tenere 700
Design & Ergonomics
The Tenere 700 boasts a tall stance with a high-mounted front fender, LED headlight, and a minimalistic bodywork that emphasizes functionality. The 875mm seat height may be intimidating for shorter riders, but the narrow seat design helps with maneuverability. The rally-style handlebar offers an upright riding position, ideal for long-distance touring.
Engine & Performance
Powered by the 689cc CP2 parallel-twin engine, the Tenere 700 delivers 72.4 PS and 68 Nm of torque, optimized for low-end and mid-range grunt. The 6-speed gearbox ensures smooth power delivery, while the slip-and-assist clutch reduces fatigue during aggressive riding. Unlike many modern ADVs, Yamaha has kept electronics minimal, offering only switchable ABS for off-road flexibility.
Suspension & Handling
The 43mm USD forks and monoshock rear suspension provide 210mm and 200mm of travel, respectively, making it capable of handling rough terrains. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires ensure excellent off-road traction.
Braking & Safety
The dual 282mm front discs with 4-piston calipers offer strong stopping power, while the 245mm rear disc provides controlled braking. The dual-channel ABS can be turned off for the rear wheel, allowing riders to slide the bike in off-road conditions.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
With a 16-liter fuel tank, the Tenere 700 offers a real-world fuel efficiency of around 18-20 kmpl, translating to a range of 280-320 km per tank—sufficient for long adventures.
Close Competitors
The Yamaha Tenere 700 competes with the following adventure motorcycles in India:
1. Triumph Tiger 900
- Pros: More powerful (94 PS), advanced electronics (cornering ABS, ride modes).
- Cons: Heavier (193 kg) and more expensive (₹13.7 lakh onwards).
2. KTM 790 Adventure
- Pros: Lighter (189 kg), more aggressive off-road performance.
- Cons: Higher maintenance costs, less comfortable for touring.
3. Honda Africa Twin (CRF1100L)
- Pros: Superior electronics (DCT option), larger engine (1084cc).
- Cons: Significantly pricier (₹16 lakh onwards), heavier (226 kg).
4. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- Pros: Affordable (₹2.85 lakh), beginner-friendly.
- Cons: Less powerful (40 PS), not as capable in extreme off-roading.
Final Verdict
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a no-nonsense adventure bike that prioritizes mechanical simplicity and off-road capability over excessive electronics. Its torquey engine, long-travel suspension, and rally-inspired design make it an excellent choice for riders who want a pure ADV experience without unnecessary tech distractions. While it lacks features like ride modes and TFT displays, its reliability and performance make it a strong contender in the mid-weight ADV segment.
For riders seeking a balanced mix of on-road comfort and off-road prowess, the Tenere 700 is a fantastic choice, especially when compared to more expensive and tech-heavy alternatives.
